Sykes to promote title fight at derby

Local boxing star Gary Sykes will promote his forthcoming British title fight at Friday’s Heavy Woollen derby between Dewsbury Rams and Batley Bulldogs at Tetley’s Stadium.

Sykes will fight Manchester’s Jon Kays for the British super featherweight title at Dewsbury Sports Centre on Saturday May 24 and has been invited onto the pitch at the eagerly anticipated Kingstone Press Championship derby.

Although Sykes hails from Dewsbury Moor, he trains and now lives in Batley and the 30-year-old is hoping Rams and Bulldogs fans will join together to back him for title glory on what is sure to be an historic sporting occasion for the area.

North Kirklees has never staged championship boxing and it is 13 years since a professional show was staged at Dewsbury Sports Centre.

Victory for Sykes, whose Central Boxing Club base has moved into new premises at Ings Mill in Batley, would see him win the coveted Lonsdale belt outright.

Sykes said: “I’m looking forward to going to the game but I am sitting firmly on the fence as I don’t want to alienate either set of fans.

“It would be great if, for one night, both Dewsbury and Batley fans could come together and support me.

“The fight may be six weeks away but since it was confirmed I am fighting in Dewsbury there has been a lot of interest with people asking about tickets.”

Promoters have met with Dewsbury Sports Centre officials this week and it is understood the venue will have a capacity set somewhere in the region of 1,000 and the show is almost certain to sell out.

Sykes will have tickets available at the derby, or alternatively contact @GarySykes Boxer on Twitter.

Sykes will stage an after fight party at the Audio nightclub in Batley when fight ticket holders will gain free admission, while he is having Team Sykes T-shirts, hoodies and tracksuits made for fans to buy.

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